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Urlacher became the fourth UNM football player to have his number retired.

As a junior, Urlacher led the nation in tackles; he was named an All-American as a safety his senior year.

Urlacher was a first-round draft pick with the Chicago Bears and played 13 seasons, eight of which ended with Pro Bowl appearances as a linebacker.

"I came a long way from Lovington. It's a big deal. There's a lot of people that came from my hometown to watch this, be a part of this," Urlacher said. "(I'm) very honored, excited, for the university to do this for me."

Urlacher said he is in talks to open a restaurant in Albuquerque.

Many fans said they'll always appreciate what Urlacher meant to the university and the team.